About Faith, What Does the Bible Say
Session 1: What Is “The Faith”?
Main Idea:
“The faith” refers not only to our personal trust in Christ but also to the body of truth revealed in Scripture and passed down by the apostles. It is something we believe, live by, guard, and hand on.
Icebreaker Question:
“What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘keep the faith’?”
Scripture Focus
1. Jude 1:3
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”
Discussion Questions:
What do you think Jude means by “the faith”?
Why would it need to be “contended for”? What threatens it?
Key Point:
“The faith” here refers to the core truths of Christianity—what we believe about Jesus, salvation, and the gospel message. It’s not just having faith, but the faith that has been entrusted to the church.
2. Acts 6:7
“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to be “obedient to the faith”?
How does that go beyond intellectual agreement?
Key Point:
The faith demands a response—it leads to a life of obedience, not just agreement with ideas.
3. Galatians 1:23
“They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’”
Discussion Questions:
What do you think Paul was preaching?
Why would it have been described as something that could be destroyed?
Key Point:
“The faith” is not just personal; it’s a public message and way of life that Paul once attacked but later proclaimed.
To The Point
What Is "The Faith"?
The revealed truth about God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and Christian living.
The message handed down by the apostles (Jude 1:3).
A body of belief that we obey (Acts 6:7).
Something we can grow in, guard, and proclaim (Galatians 1:23).
What Is Faith? — A Theological Summary
Faith, in the context of the New Testament and particularly the passages from Jude 1:3, Acts 6:7, and Galatians 1:23, is not merely personal trust or belief—it is “the faith”, a term used to describe the body of core truths, convictions, and teachings revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and entrusted to the Church. This faith encompasses who Jesus is, what He accomplished through His death and resurrection, and how salvation is received by grace through faith.
Jude emphasizes that this faith is fixed and authoritative, “once for all entrusted to God’s holy people,” suggesting both its unchanging nature and the Church's responsibility to preserve and defend it against distortion. It must be contended for because it is under constant threat—from false teachings, cultural compromise, and spiritual opposition.
In Acts, being “obedient to the faith” shows that faith is not simply about intellectual assent, but about surrendering one’s life in alignment with the gospel. Faith leads to transformation, producing obedience and discipleship. The conversion of even priests illustrates how the gospel crosses boundaries and demands a whole-life response.
Galatians reminds us that “the faith” is a public, communal proclamation—a message powerful enough to be persecuted and resisted. Paul, once an enemy of this message, later became its boldest preacher, showing that faith also represents a way of life shaped by the good news of Christ.
Faith is more than personal belief; it is the received and revealed truth of the gospel—the faith—that calls for obedience, demands defense, and defines the Church’s mission in the world.
Application
How can we grow in our understanding of “the faith”?
Are there things today that threaten our grasp of or commitment to biblical truth?
How can we as senior believers help guard and pass on “the faith” to others?
Encourage:
Ongoing Bible reading and study as a way of growing in sound doctrine.
Sharing the faith with younger generations, both in words and example.
Take-Home Challenge:
Read Philippians 1:27–30 during the week and reflect on what it means to “stand firm in the one Spirit… striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Session 2: Saving Faith – Trusting in Christ Alone
Main Idea:
Saving faith is more than belief in God’s existence—it is a personal trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternal life. It is not earned by works but received by grace.
Icebreaker Question:
“What do you remember about the moment you first trusted Christ as your Savior?”
Scripture Focus
1. Ephesians 2:8–9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Discussion Questions:
What does this passage say about the source of salvation?
Why is it important that faith is a gift, not a work?
Key Point:
Salvation is a gift of grace received by faith—not something we can earn or achieve. Faith is the hand that receives the gift.
2. Romans 5:1
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to be “justified”?
How does saving faith bring peace with God?
Key Point:
Faith in Christ restores our relationship with God. Justification means we are declared “not guilty” before Him.
3. Galatians 2:16
“…know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.”
Discussion Questions:
What contrast is Paul making here?
Why does he emphasize “faith in Christ” so strongly?
Key Point:
Faith alone, not our efforts or religious performance, brings us into right standing with God.
To The Point
What Is Saving Faith?
Trusting in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
A response to God’s grace—not a human achievement.
Brings peace with God and assurance of salvation.
What Saving Faith Is Not:
Mere intellectual agreement.
Good works or trying harder.
Belief in “faith itself” instead of in Christ.
Saving Faith – Trusting in Christ Alone: A Theological Summary
Saving faith is not human effort, religious performance, or moral achievement—it is wholehearted trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. According to Scripture, this faith is a gift of God’s grace, not something we can produce or earn. As Ephesians 2:8–9 makes clear, salvation is “by grace… through faith,” and even that faith is “not from yourselves.” Faith, then, is not a contribution we make, but the means by which we receive what Christ has already accomplished.
Romans 5:1 teaches that saving faith results in justification—God’s legal declaration that we are righteous in His sight. This justification brings peace with God, ending the hostility caused by sin and restoring the relationship between the sinner and the Holy God. Faith does not merely change our status; it brings us into a reconciled and secure position with God.
Galatians 2:16 reinforces the truth that justification comes not by works of the law—no matter how religious or well-intentioned—but only by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul insists on this because it is the heart of the gospel: we are saved solely by trusting in who Christ is and what He has done on our behalf.
Saving faith is complete reliance on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is a gift of grace, not a human work. It brings justification before God, peace with Him, and freedom from the futile attempt to earn salvation by our own efforts. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Application
Are we resting in God’s grace or still tempted to earn His approval?
How can we help others understand saving faith?
Encourage:
Rejoicing in the security of salvation by grace.
Sharing the good news with those still trying to “earn” their way to God.
Take-Home Challenge:
Meditate on John 3:16–18 this week. What does it mean to “believe in” Jesus, and how does that relate to eternal life?
Session 3: Living by Faith – A Daily Walk
Main Idea: Faith isn’t just how we begin the Christian life—it’s how we live every day. Living by faith means trusting God’s promises, obeying His Word, and relying on His presence moment by moment.
Scripture Focus
1. Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Discussion Questions:
What does Paul mean by saying he no longer lives?
How does Christ living in us change the way we live?
Key Point:
Living by faith means Christ is at the center of our lives—not just at the beginning, but in our daily thoughts, choices, and actions.
2. Hebrews 10:38
“But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”
(Quote from Habakkuk 2:4)
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to “shrink back” in this context?
How can faith help us stand firm?
Key Point:
Living by faith involves continuing to trust God even when things are uncertain or difficult. Faith is the opposite of fear-driven retreat.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to walk by faith, not by sight?
How does that affect the way we make decisions or face hardships?
Key Point:
We don’t base our lives only on what we see, feel, or understand. Faith means leaning on God's promises even when circumstances are unclear.
To The Point
Use a simple list or handout to reinforce:
What Does It Mean to Live by Faith?
Trust God’s promises in daily life.
Obey His Word even when it’s hard.
Rely on Christ’s presence and strength.
Keep going even when we don’t understand.
Living by Faith vs. Living by Sight:
Living by Faith |
Living by Sight |
|---|---|
Trusts God's Word |
Depends on circumstances |
Obeys despite fear |
Waits for clarity or ease |
Seeks God's glory |
Seeks comfort or approval |
Living by Faith – A Daily Walk: A Theological Summary
Living by faith is not a one-time decision—it is a daily surrender to the life of Christ within us. As Paul declares in Galatians 2:20, to live by faith means our old self, ruled by sin and self-effort, has been crucified with Christ. In its place, Christ now lives in us, shaping every part of our earthly life. Faith becomes the lens through which we see the world and the power by which we live differently—guided by Christ’s love and sustained by His presence.
In Hebrews 10:38, we’re reminded that those who are made righteous will live by faith, not retreat in fear or doubt. “Shrinking back” refers to abandoning trust in God when challenges arise. Faith, then, is not only trust in God’s promises but perseverance in those promises—even when life is hard, unclear, or costly. True faith endures; it keeps moving forward, anchored in God's faithfulness.
2 Corinthians 5:7 brings the theme full circle: the life of faith is a journey not guided by what we see, feel, or fully understand. It is a confident walk in the dark, lit by the promises of God. Walking by faith requires us to live in obedience and hope even when our circumstances offer no visible assurance.
In Summary:
Living by faith means allowing Christ to live His life in and through us each day. It is marked by continual trust in God’s presence, power, and promises—especially in the face of fear, uncertainty, or suffering. This daily walk is not dependent on what we can see, but on who we believe: Jesus, the One who gave Himself for us and now leads us by His Spirit.
Application
In what areas of life are you being challenged to live by faith right now?
How can we encourage one another to keep trusting God daily?
Encourage:
Trusting God’s timing and purposes even in aging, illness, or uncertainty.
Supporting one another in prayer and fellowship.
Take-Home Challenge:
Read Proverbs 3:5–6 each day this week. Reflect on what it looks like to trust the Lord with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding.
Session 4: Faith and Obedience – The Response to God
Main Idea: True faith produces obedience. Believing in God includes trusting His Word enough to act on it. Faith and obedience are inseparable in the life of a believer.
Icebreaker Question:
“Have you ever obeyed God even when it didn’t make much sense at the time? What happened?”
Scripture Focus
1. Romans 1:5
“Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake.”
Discussion Questions:
What does “obedience that comes from faith” mean?
Why does Paul link obedience with faith?
Key Point:
Faith isn’t just inward belief—it leads to outward action. Obedience is the natural result of trusting God.
2. Hebrews 11:8
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
Discussion Questions:
What does this verse tell us about the kind of faith Abraham had?
How might it feel to obey without knowing the outcome?
Key Point:
Faith leads us to act, even when we don’t see the full picture. Obedience is evidence of trust.
3. James 2:17–18
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.”
Discussion Questions:
What kind of “faith” is James warning against?
How do actions demonstrate true faith?
Key Point:
A faith that does not lead to obedience is not genuine. True faith will always be visible in how we live.
To The Point
Faith and Obedience Go Together
Faith trusts God; obedience proves that trust.
Faith without obedience is incomplete.
Obedience is not how we earn salvation—it is how we express faith.
Examples of Faith in Action:
Abraham going to a new land (Heb. 11:8).
Noah building the ark (Heb. 11:7).
Believers forgiving others, loving enemies, and serving (Luke 6:35–36).
Theological Summary:
Faith, according to Scripture, is never static or abstract. True, biblical faith manifests in obedient action. It involves more than intellectual assent or verbal confession—it is a whole-person response to the revealed will of God. The link between faith and obedience is inseparable and essential, and the selected texts demonstrate this truth from different theological angles.
1. Romans 1:5 – The Obedience of Faith
"Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations..."
Paul opens his letter to the Romans with a clear missional purpose: to call the nations to “the obedience of faith.” This phrase reveals a foundational theological reality—faith is inherently obedient. Obedience is not a separate or subsequent stage of faith but is woven into its very nature. Paul’s gospel does not separate grace from obligation; rather, grace empowers obedience. True faith submits to Christ's lordship and expresses itself through a transformed, responsive life.
2. James 2:14–26 – Faith Without Works is Dead
"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?" (v.14)
"You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works..." (v.22)
James challenges any notion of a passive or merely verbal faith. He draws on vivid examples—such as Abraham offering Isaac and Rahab sheltering the spies—to show that authentic faith inevitably leads to obedient action. Far from contradicting Paul’s message of justification by faith, James complements it by defining what justifying faith looks like: not empty belief, but faith proven and perfected through deeds. A faith that produces no fruit is not true biblical faith—it is “dead” (v.17, 26).
3. Hebrews 11 – Faith that Acts on God’s Promises
"By faith Noah... constructed an ark..." (v.7)
"By faith Abraham obeyed..." (v.8)
"By faith Moses... chose rather to be mistreated with the people of God..." (v.24–25)
Often called the “Hall of Faith,” Hebrews 11 provides a sweeping narrative of men and women whose faith moved them to radical obedience. In every case, their faith was demonstrated through decisive action—actions that often defied worldly logic and demanded trust in unseen promises. Whether building an ark, leaving one's homeland, or risking one's life, the heroes of faith acted because they trusted the God who speaks. Their lives testify that faith is not passive; it hears, believes, and obeys.
Conclusion: Trusting Obedience as the Evidence of Living Faith
These passages collectively make a compelling theological claim: genuine faith always results in obedience. It is not enough to profess belief—true faith responds to God’s Word with surrender, trust, and action. Romans 1:5 sets the tone: faith and obedience are not competing ideas, but integrated realities in the life of the believer. James adds that works are the evidence and completion of faith, while Hebrews 11 shows what faith looks like in action.
In sum, faith that does not obey is not saving faith. To walk by faith is to walk in step with God’s will—believing His promises, submitting to His commands, and trusting Him enough to act.
Application
Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to trust and obey?
How can we encourage one another to respond to God in obedience?
Encourage:
Obedience as an act of love and worship—not duty.
Trusting God’s goodness even when we don’t see the outcome yet.
Take-Home Challenge:
Read Hebrews 11 throughout the week. Reflect on how faith shaped the obedience of each person mentioned. What step of faith might God be asking of me today?
Session 5: Tested Faith – Trusting God Through Trials
Main Idea:
Faith that endures testing is strong, mature faith. God allows trials not to destroy our faith, but to purify and strengthen it. True faith clings to God even when life is painful or uncertain.
Icebreaker Question:
“Can you remember a time when your faith was tested? How did God use it to grow you?”
Encourage honest, brief sharing to help build connection and empathy.
Scripture Focus
1. James 1:2–4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Discussion Questions:
How can we find joy in trials?
What does this passage say is the purpose of testing?
Key Point:
God uses trials to produce spiritual maturity. Testing isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.
2. 1 Peter 1:6–7
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold…—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Discussion Questions:
Why is tested faith so valuable?
What kind of result is God working toward through trials?
Key Point:
God values faith more than gold. When we keep trusting Him through hardship, it brings Him glory and shapes our eternity.
3. Genesis 22:1–3, 9–12 (The testing of Abraham)
(Paraphrased for time: God tested Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac.)
Discussion Questions:
What does Abraham’s obedience tell us about his trust in God?
How might this test have deepened Abraham’s faith?
Key Point:
Abraham trusted God even when it didn’t make sense. Tested faith obeys even when it’s costly.
To The Point
Use a simple list or handout to reinforce:
What Happens When Faith Is Tested?
We learn to rely on God, not ourselves.
Perseverance is developed.
Our witness grows stronger.
Our trust in God becomes deeper and more real.
Important Truths:
Faith is not the absence of struggle—it’s the confidence in God during it.
God never wastes a trial—He uses it for our good and His glory.
Theological Summary:
Enduring faith is not simply the ability to believe in God when life is easy, but the unwavering trust in His promises especially when circumstances challenge that belief. The Christian life is not insulated from hardship; rather, it is shaped and tested through it. Scripture testifies that persevering faith is both a divine gift and a lived experience, forged in the fire of trials and sustained by the hope of what is yet unseen.
1. Hebrews 11:1–40 – Faith That Acts and Waits in Hope
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (v.1)
"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar..." (v.13)
"...of whom the world was not worthy..." (v.38)
This chapter presents a rich panorama of individuals whose lives were marked by persevering faith. They believed God’s promises—even when fulfillment lay far beyond their lifetimes. For Noah, Abraham, Moses, and countless others, faith involved enduring loss, ridicule, persecution, and delay, yet without abandoning hope. Hebrews 11 emphasizes that true faith endures because it is anchored not in the seen, but in the unseen—God’s character and His eternal purposes.
Some experienced deliverance (vv.32–35a), while others suffered and died (vv.35b–38). Yet all are commended for their faith. This reveals a crucial theological truth: the success of faith is not measured by earthly outcomes but by steadfast trust in God, no matter the result.
2. 2 Timothy 4:7 – The Finished Fight of Faith
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
As Paul approaches the end of his life, he reflects not on achievements or comforts, but on perseverance. His “good fight” is defined by faithfulness amid suffering, hardship, abandonment, and imprisonment. In this pastoral epistle, written from a Roman cell, Paul offers a model of enduring faith: one that finishes the race not because the road was easy, but because the Savior was worth it.
This verse reveals that faith is not a one-time confession but a lifelong commitment—a race to be run with endurance. Keeping the faith involves resisting discouragement, clinging to God’s promises, and staying loyal to Christ, even unto death.
3. 1 Peter 1:6–9 – Faith Refined by Fire
"...though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith... may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (vv.6–7)
"Though you have not seen him, you love him... and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory..." (v.8)
Peter speaks pastorally to believers facing persecution and hardship. He reframes their suffering as purposeful: a refining fire that proves the authenticity of their faith. This passage emphasizes that trials do not destroy faith—they reveal and purify it. Endurance in the midst of grief is not a sign of weak faith, but of strong, living hope.
The joy and love expressed toward Christ—whom they have not seen—demonstrate a faith that transcends the visible. It is this enduring, tested faith that results in “the salvation of your souls” (v.9), confirming that the path of perseverance leads ultimately to eternal reward.
Conclusion: The Shape of Enduring Faith
Throughout Scripture, faith that endures is not portrayed as flawless or fearless, but as faithful. It may struggle, weep, and wrestle with God, but it holds fast. The witnesses of Hebrews 11, the resolve of Paul, and the encouragement of Peter remind us that enduring faith is grounded in God’s unchanging character, His unfailing promises, and the living hope of Christ.
Enduring faith:
Trusts when the answers do not come.
Obeys when obedience costs.
Waits when promises are delayed.
Rejoices when circumstances say otherwise.
In this way, perseverance is not merely surviving hardship—it is continuing to trust God in the midst of it, confident that He who promised is faithful (Heb. 10:23).
Application
Are you or someone you love going through a trial right now?
How can we support each other in faith when life is hard?
Encourage:
Sharing burdens in prayer.
Remembering that God walks with us through the valley (Psalm 23).
Faith includes lament and hope at the same time.
Take-Home Challenge:
Meditate on Romans 8:28–29 this week. How does God use all things—including trials—for our good and for shaping us into the image of Christ?
Session 6: The Community of Faith – Encouraging One Another
Main Idea:
Faith is not just personal—it is meant to be lived out in community. God designed the church as a place where we support, strengthen, and encourage one another in our walk of faith.
Icebreaker Question:
“Who has encouraged you the most in your faith journey—and how did they do it?”
Scripture Focus
1. Hebrews 10:23–25
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Discussion Questions:
Why is meeting together important for our faith?
How can we “spur one another on” spiritually?
Key Point:
Faith is strengthened in fellowship. Encouragement helps us stay faithful and motivated in doing good.
2. Galatians 6:1–2
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently... Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to carry one another’s burdens?
How can we gently help someone who is struggling?
Key Point:
Walking by faith means helping each other up when we fall and sharing life’s load together.
3. Romans 1:11–12
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Discussion Questions:
How are we encouraged by each other’s faith?
What can you do to be a source of encouragement to someone this week?
Key Point:
Faith is contagious—when we see faith in others, it inspires and strengthens our own.
To The Point
Use a list or handout to reinforce:
How Does the Community of Faith Help Us?
Provides encouragement and accountability.
Offers prayer, wisdom, and practical help.
Reminds us we are not alone in the journey of faith.
Strengthens us when our own faith feels weak.
Truth to Remember:
“Lone ranger” Christianity is not biblical. God designed the church as a body—each part matters and helps the others.
Theological Summary:
Faith is foundational to the Christian life, but Scripture makes it clear that faith itself is not self-generated. Rather, it is a gracious gift from God, planted in the heart by His Spirit and nurtured through the ongoing work of grace. This gift, however, is not static. Like a seed, faith is intended to grow—deepening in conviction, expanding in trust, and bearing fruit in every season of life.
1. Romans 12:3 – Faith as a Measured Gift from God
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
Paul teaches that every believer has received a "measure of faith" from God. This phrase underscores two key truths:
Faith originates in God’s initiative – not human willpower.
Faith varies in measure, and its purpose is not pride but service within the body of Christ.
Paul's use of “measure” implies divine intentionality in distributing faith according to His sovereign purpose, not human merit. Yet even if faith begins as a gift, it is also a living, growing capacity meant to be exercised and strengthened in the community of believers.
2. Luke 17:5 – The Desire for Greater Faith
“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’”
This earnest prayer reveals both humility and theological insight. The disciples recognize that faith is not just a requirement—they see it as something they need more of, and that only Jesus can supply. They do not attempt to stir it up on their own, nor do they pretend that they have enough. Instead, they appeal to the Giver.
Jesus responds not with a formula but with an assurance: even small, genuine faith is powerful (v.6). The implication is that growth in faith is less about volume and more about trust and responsiveness to God's word. Nonetheless, the disciples’ request affirms the possibility—and the need—for faith to grow.
3. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 – Faith That Grows Exceedingly
“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.”
Paul commends the Thessalonian church not only for receiving the gospel, but for growing in faith even amid persecution. Their increasing faith is a sign of God’s continuing work in them—a faith that responds to adversity by deepening, not diminishing.
The Greek phrase translated “growing abundantly” (ὑπεραυξάνει) emphasizes superabundant growth—faith that is thriving, dynamic, and fertile. This aligns with the New Testament’s broader teaching that the life of faith is a journey, not a moment. As believers endure, serve, and love, faith is both tested and strengthened.
Conclusion: Faith Is a Gift That Grows
Theologically, faith is both divine gift and human responsibility. God graciously imparts faith to every believer (Romans 12:3); the believer, in response, is called to nurture and exercise that faith, seeking its increase (Luke 17:5) and evidencing its growth in love and endurance (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
Faith grows as we:
Feed on the Word of God (Romans 10:17)
Walk in obedience and dependence
Engage in suffering with hope
Rely on the Spirit for transformation
Thus, while faith begins as a seed given by God, it is cultivated through the lifelong process of sanctification, empowered by grace and sustained by God's faithfulness.
Application
How can we do a better job of encouraging one another in this group?
Who might need a phone call, visit, or note this week?
Encourage:
Building habits of prayer, encouragement, and support.
Being open about struggles so others can walk alongside in faith.
Consider forming small “encouragement partners” to pray for one another weekly.
Take-Home Challenge:
Choose one person from church or your neighborhood this week to encourage in their faith—through a phone call, a handwritten note, or a simple act of service.
Session 7: Defending the Faith – Standing Firm in the Truth
Main Idea:
Faith not only trusts and obeys—it also stands firm against error. As believers, we are called to know the truth, live it, and defend it when necessary. Contending for the faith means being rooted in sound doctrine and guarding the gospel.
Icebreaker Question:
“Have you ever had to speak up for what you believed, even when it was unpopular?”
Scripture Focus
1. Jude 3
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to “contend for the faith”?
Why do you think Jude felt it was urgent to write about this?
Key Point:
The faith we hold is a treasure. We must protect and defend it against distortion or neglect.
2. 1 Peter 3:15–16
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...”
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to “give an answer” for your hope?
How can we speak truth with both boldness and kindness?
Key Point:
Defending the faith is not about winning arguments but pointing people to Jesus—with gentleness, respect, and clarity.
3. 2 Timothy 1:13–14
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
Discussion Questions:
What is the “good deposit” Paul speaks of?
How can we guard sound teaching today?
Key Point:
The gospel message is entrusted to us. We guard it by knowing the truth, living it out, and sharing it faithfully.
To The Point
Reinforce with a simple list:
What It Means to Defend the Faith:
Be grounded in Scripture.
Know what you believe and why.
Stay alert to false teaching and confusion.
Share truth with love and confidence.
Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Important Reminder:
Defending the faith isn’t just for preachers or scholars—it’s the responsibility of every believer.
Theological Summary:
Biblically, "the faith" refers not only to personal trust in Christ, but also to the shared body of truth held by the church—the gospel message that unites all believers. This shared faith forms the foundation of the church’s unity, and its proper expression is not isolation but maturity in community. Christian faith is always ecclesial—it finds its fullest shape in a people, not just in individuals. Unity in faith is both a gift from God and a goal toward which the church labors together in love and truth.
1. Ephesians 4:4–6 – One Body, One Faith, One Lord
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all...”
Here Paul roots the unity of the church in the oneness of God Himself. Just as God is one, so the church—His people—is called to reflect that oneness. Among the seven “ones” Paul lists, “one faith” stands as a unifying theological core. This is the common confession of the gospel that all believers hold—centered on the Lordship of Christ, the saving work of God, and the shared hope of redemption.
This passage presents unity not as a human-made construct but as a spiritual reality grounded in God's nature and calling. However, it is also a call to preserve that unity, requiring humility, patience, and love (see vv.1–3).
2. Ephesians 4:11–13 – Unity and Maturity Through Ministry
"...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood..."
Paul now moves from the foundation of unity to its growth and expression. Christ has given the church leaders—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—to equip believers so that the entire church may be built up. This is not individualistic edification but corporate maturity, leading to “the unity of the faith.”
This “unity of the faith” is not mere institutional unity or superficial agreement, but a shared and growing understanding of Christ—a unity formed through truth, love, and mutual service. The goal is not just doctrinal alignment but maturity in Christ, where the church reflects His character in the world.
3. Philippians 1:27 – Striving Side by Side for the Faith of the Gospel
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ... with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.”
Paul calls the Philippians to live in a way that reflects the gospel, emphasizing unity and partnership. “Striving side by side” (συναθλέω) is an image drawn from athletics or warfare—indicating coordinated, determined effort. The church is not simply a gathering of believers, but a unified team contending together for the truth and advancement of the gospel.
Here, “the faith of the gospel” again refers not only to believing in the gospel but actively defending, proclaiming, and embodying it in unity. The church is called to be a visible witness to the world through its shared convictions, mutual love, and corporate resilience in the face of opposition.
Conclusion: United in the Faith for Maturity and Mission
The Scriptures consistently present faith as both personal and communal, a gift from God and a task for the church. The unity of the church is rooted in shared allegiance to “one faith”—the gospel of Jesus Christ—and is expressed through mutual edification, doctrinal maturity, and spiritual partnership.
This unity is:
Doctrinal – grounded in the truth of the gospel.
Relational – expressed in love, humility, and cooperation.
Missional – lived out in striving together to proclaim Christ.
To be “united in the faith” is to grow together into Christ, who is the head of the body (Eph. 4:15). The more deeply the church shares in “the faith,” the more clearly it reflects the God who called her—and the more powerfully she fulfills her mission in the world.
Application
Are there ways our faith is being challenged today in our families, churches, or culture?
How can we be more prepared to stand firm in truth?
Encourage:
Regular reading of the Bible to grow in discernment.
Sharing personal testimonies to point others to truth.
Trusting God to give the words when it’s time to speak (see Luke 12:11–12).
Take-Home Challenge:
Memorize Jude 3 or 1 Peter 3:15 this week. Pray for wisdom and courage to stand for truth with grace and love in your conversations.
Session 8: Living by Faith – Daily Trust in God’s Promises
Main Idea:
Faith is not just a one-time decision—it is a daily walk. Living by faith means trusting in God's promises, even when we can't see the outcome. It's choosing to believe God's Word is true and sufficient for every day.
Icebreaker Question:
“What promise from God has helped you through a difficult time?”
Encourage personal reflection and short testimonies to set the tone for trust in God’s Word.
Scripture Focus
1. Habakkuk 2:4
“… but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.”
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to “live by faith”?
How is faith not just a belief but a way of life?
Key Point:
True righteousness isn’t based on performance but on ongoing trust in God. Faith shapes how we live each day.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Discussion Questions:
What are some examples of situations where you had to live by faith, not sight?
How does trusting in what we can’t see honor God?
Key Point:
Walking by faith means trusting in God’s Word and character even when we don’t have all the answers.
3. Romans 4:18–21 (Abraham’s faith)
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed... being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Discussion Questions:
What did Abraham’s faith look like in everyday life?
How can we follow his example in our daily walk?
Key Point:
Living by faith means believing God’s promises—even when they seem impossible. Faith grows stronger as we trust and obey.
To The Point
What Living by Faith Looks Like:
Trusting God’s promises even when life is hard.
Obeying God’s Word even when we don’t understand.
Believing God is good and faithful even when we’re waiting.
Drawing strength daily from prayer and Scripture.
Encouraging Truth:
God’s faithfulness in the past gives us confidence for the future. His promises never fail.
Theological Summary:
In an age marked by moral relativism, doctrinal confusion, and increasing hostility toward Christian convictions, Scripture calls the church not only to believe the gospel but to protect, preserve, and proclaim it faithfully. This is what Scripture means by “contending for the faith”—an active, courageous, yet gracious defense of the truth once for all delivered to the saints. Faithful theology is not merely intellectual; it is pastoral and spiritual, carried out with love, humility, and courage for the glory of Christ and the good of His church.
1. Jude 1:3–4 – Contending for the Faith Once Delivered
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed...”
Jude writes with urgency, shifting from celebration to exhortation. The phrase “the faith once for all delivered” refers to the apostolic teaching—the core gospel truth revealed in Christ, passed down through the apostles, and entrusted to the church. This faith is not evolving or negotiable; it is a sacred deposit to be preserved intact.
To “contend” (Greek: epagōnizomai) implies struggle, effort, and conflict. This is not about being combative, but about being vigilant and courageous in the face of false teaching. Jude’s concern is that false teachers have subtly distorted grace into license and denied Christ’s lordship (v.4). Thus, doctrinal integrity is inseparable from moral faithfulness.
2. 2 Timothy 1:13–14 – Guarding the Good Deposit
“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit... guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”
Paul instructs Timothy, his spiritual son, to hold fast to “sound words” and “the good deposit”—a reference to the doctrinal teaching entrusted to him. Timothy is not free to innovate or adapt the message, but to guard it with care and fidelity. However, this guarding is not done in fear or fleshly strength, but “by the Holy Spirit” and in “faith and love”—a key corrective against harsh or prideful defense of truth.
This verse models how truth and love are never in opposition in biblical theology. Guarding doctrine must be done with relational humility, spiritual dependence, and gospel-centered affection for Christ and His church.
3. Titus 1:9 – Holding Firm and Refuting Error
“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”
In this pastoral qualification, Paul identifies a crucial role of church leaders: to hold firmly to the apostolic word and to both instruct and protect the flock. This means affirming truth and correcting error—not out of arrogance, but out of love for the church and a desire to preserve her purity and witness.
The phrase “trustworthy word” again points to the fixed content of Christian doctrine. Leaders must be able to explain and defend this doctrine with clarity and conviction. This is a pastoral responsibility, not merely academic or polemical.
Conclusion: Contending with Conviction and Compassion
Together, these texts offer a compelling theology of faithful gospel stewardship. The church is entrusted with truth that must be guarded—not merely against external attacks, but against internal distortion. Contending for the faith means:
Holding to apostolic doctrine without compromise (Jude 3)
Guarding it through Spirit-empowered, humble dependence (2 Tim. 1:14)
Teaching it clearly and correcting error graciously (Titus 1:9)
This contending must always be marked by the character of Christ—done in love, with clarity, and in the power of the Spirit. The goal is not to win arguments, but to preserve the truth that saves and to protect the flock Christ loves.
As Paul says elsewhere, we are to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15)—never sacrificing one for the other.
Application
What promise of God do you need to hold onto right now?
How can you remind yourself daily to trust God more fully?
Encourage:
Keeping a journal of answered prayers and fulfilled promises.
Starting or ending the day with a promise from Scripture (e.g., Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 23).
Asking God each morning for help to walk by faith that day.
Take-Home Challenge:
Choose one promise from Scripture to memorize and meditate on this week. Each morning, ask God to help you live that promise in faith.
Session 9: Finishing in Faith – Remaining Faithful to the End
Main Idea:
Faith is a lifelong journey. God calls us not only to begin in faith but to finish strong—trusting Him all the way to the end. Our hope is not just for today, but for eternity.
Icebreaker Question:
“Who is someone you’ve known who finished their faith journey well—and what can we learn from their example?”
Scripture Focus
1. 2 Timothy 4:6–8 (Paul’s farewell)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith... Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness...”
Discussion Questions:
What do you think it means to “keep the faith”?
How does this passage give us hope for finishing well?
Key Point:
Finishing in faith means living a life of perseverance, trust, and obedience—and looking forward to the reward God has promised.
Paul, facing imminent death, writes with calm assurance. He speaks of his life as a sacrificial offering and reflects on his ministry not with regret, but with fulfillment. He identifies three marks of enduring faith:
“Fought the good fight” – a life of spiritual struggle and faithful witness
“Finished the race” – a complete journey of perseverance
“Kept the faith” – sustained loyalty to the gospel and to Christ
The “crown of righteousness” symbolizes not merely reward, but the vindication and eternal blessing that God bestows upon those who trust Him to the end. Significantly, this crown is not for Paul alone, but for “all who have loved his appearing”—a promise for every believer who longs for and lives in light of Christ’s return.
This passage affirms the doctrine of perseverance of the saints: that true believers will continue in faith by God’s sustaining grace. It also speaks to the assurance of hope, that believers can face death with peace and expectancy, knowing their lives were not in vain.
2. Revelation 2:10
“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think faithfulness is so important to God?
What does the “victor’s crown” represent?
Key Point:
God honors those who remain faithful through trials. Our endurance in faith brings eternal reward.
In this apocalyptic vision, John offers a pastoral word of encouragement to persecuted believers. Endurance is not but essential. The saints are described as those who “keep the commandments of God” and maintain “faith in Jesus”—a description that balances faithful living with trust in the Redeemer.
The beatitude that follows is one of the most tender and hope-filled statements in Scripture: those who “die in the Lord” are blessed. Why? Because:
They rest – a contrast to the toil and suffering of the present life
Their deeds follow them – their faithfulness is remembered and rewarded by God
This passage affirms both the dignity of perseverance and the hope of eternal rest. Theological tradition holds this as a picture of the intermediate state (the rest of the soul before resurrection) and the final reward in the new heavens and new earth.
3. Hebrews 12:1–2
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Discussion Questions:
What helps us persevere in faith?
How does focusing on Jesus help us stay strong to the end?
Key Point:
Jesus is both our example and our strength. We finish well by keeping our eyes on Him and not giving up.
Conclusion: Faith That Leads Home
Together, these passages paint a profound picture of faithful perseverance and eternal hope. The Christian is not promised ease in this life but is promised grace to endure—and a glorious inheritance at the finish line. This is the faith that leads home:
A faith that continues through trials and testing
A faith that finishes the race with integrity and hope
A faith that rests not in human effort, but in Christ who secures the reward
In this final session, we see that enduring faith is not about spiritual perfection, but faithful direction—a life oriented toward Christ, strengthened by His Spirit, and sustained by the hope of His appearing.
As Hebrews 10:36 reminds us:
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
To The Point
What It Means to Finish in Faith:
Enduring trials with trust.
Staying grounded in Scripture and prayer.
Continuing to serve and encourage others.
Looking forward to our eternal home with confidence.
Relying on God’s grace every step of the way.
Truth to Treasure:
Faith isn’t about how we start—but how we finish. And we don’t finish alone—God is with us every step.
Theological Summary:
The Christian life is often described in Scripture as a race, a journey of perseverance, and a battle of faith. It begins by grace, is sustained by faith, and must be finished in hope. To “finish the race” is not merely to reach the end of life, but to remain steadfast in faith—holding fast to Christ until the very end. The New Testament consistently emphasizes that true faith endures, and that there is an eternal reward awaiting those who remain faithful. That reward is not only rest from labor, but fellowship with Christ in glory.
Application
What does “finishing in faith” look like for you in this season of life?
How can we encourage each other to remain faithful?
Encourage:
Sharing wisdom and faith with younger generations.
Using your season of life as a witness of hope and perseverance.
Living each day with purpose and trust.
Discussion Prompt:
“If you were writing your own ‘faith story’ like Paul did in 2 Timothy 4, what would you want it to say?”
Take-Home Challenge:
Write a short letter or note to a younger family member or friend, sharing what it means to live and finish in faith. Be an encourager to the next generation.
Series Wrap-Up Encouragement:
Faith is not a one-time act, but a lifelong journey.
We are saved by faith, walk by faith, live in a community of faith, and finish in faith.
God is faithful from beginning to end—and He will carry us through.